Mozart Kantata

Our Dear Brother

Grand Masonic Lodge of Japan

Brother Joe Diele, whose Masonic items we will be investigating on Monday, February 20, was instrumental in funding and constructing the Grand Lodge building for the Grand Lodge of Japan. This video shows how it was so beautified and adorned. Exquisite workmanship indeed!

Diele, Joe A, Deputy in Japan and Korea- Appointed 9-1-76

Master- Sinim Lodge , Japan, under the Grand Lodge of MA -1986

Grand Lodge: District Deputy Grand Master, China District, Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts- 1980, 2000

The Searchers Club

Presents a Very Special Evening…

“The Masonic Legacy of Bro. Joseph Diele:  

An Examination of a Life in the Quarries.”

Brethren of all Ranks, Stations, and Places are cordially invited to attend!

Brother Joe A. Diele lay down his working tools of life about five (5) years ago, leaving behind a small treasure trove of items that Masons tend to collect in the journey to their final quarry.  Not knowing what to do with it, his daughter turned it over for disposal to the Searchers Club- to examine and investigate these items and glean what we can from the Masonic work of a Brother.  Everything is collected within two (2) boxes except one Certificate of his Conferral to the Exalted 33rd Degree. Bro. Diele was a Deputy in Japan and Korea; appointed 9-1-76.

·     *Grand Lodge: District Deputy Grand Master, China District Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts- 1980, 2000

·    *Master- Sinim Lodge , Japan, under the Grand Lodge of MA -1986

As he was active in the Japan and China Grand Lodges, we have invited, Ret Army Col. Brother John Chang to participate and share any knowledge he may have about the Lodges and the artifacts. Additionally, DDGM William H. Sohni- Seventh Manhattan, RW Ron Steiner-Grand Lodge Public Relations, and RW Tom Savini- Director of New York's Livingston Library, will also be on hand to lend their Masonic expertise and experience.

We expect the evening to be by turns somber, interesting, engaging, and informative.

Monday February 20, 2012

The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge

71 W 23rd St., 14^th floor

New York, NY 10010

(212) 337-6620

6:30 PM

Electronic Devices in Lodge?

My Brethren,

This was the name of the title on the most recent Masonic Services Association that I received today. It specifically dealt with the increasing use of electronic devices within the Lodge room. I have personally felt that to have a personal device in use within the Lodge untyles the Lodge, and defeats the purpose of solemn and sublime contemplation. How can I be reflective of my inner self when I am indulging and inundating my profane self with the mental distractions of everyday life? In my humble opinion, I don't believe Masonic work can be optimally done under such conditions, although I am sure that there are many who would disagree with me on this topic.

To formally address this issue, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts sent a communication to other Grand Lodges explaining, "Not only for the annoyance of the phone ringing, but also, the member answering and talking during the meetings. Some are constantly texting or reading email. Also, the use of the camera or video to record the meeting or degree work. We have some Lodge officers who have written the ritual into their phones and use them as teleprompters during degree work."

As reported by the MSA, the Grand Master of Massachusetts, the Most Worshipful Brother Richard J. Stewart, issued the following edict on September 14, 2011:

"All cell phones carried into a Lodge room must either be turned off of silenced prior to entering the Lodge room.


The Master will announce prior to opening that all cell phones and other electronic devices are to be shut off or silenced.


If an emergency call is received while the Lodge is in session, the Brother must not answer the call within the Lodge room. He must exit the Lodge room according to proper Masonic protocol and respond to the call outside the Lodge room area.


If a cell phone rings within a Tyled Lodge, the Master will instruct the Lodge Marshal to escort the Brother from the room. Re-admittance of the Brother to the Lodge will be at the discretion of the Master.


Use of cell phones or other devices for texting, audio recording, video recording, or photography within a Tyled Lodge is strictly forbidden, except as has been previously approved for photography. Any reported infraction of this rule is subject to reprimand, suspension, or expulsion from Freemasonry."

I personally applaud the efforts of this Grand Master, although, as I said previously, I am sure there will be a sincere contingency that will disagree with this same sentiment. It will be curious to see what affects the advent of convenient electronic devices will bring upon the governing of both the Lodge room, and the Craft as a whole.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Brother Earnest
Joseph Warren-Gothic Lodge No. 934

Masonic Restoration Foundation (MRF) update!

As you have seen from previous posts, I had a GREAT time in August 2011 at the MRF Symposium in Alexandria, Virginia. It was a weekend full of excellent opportunity to form the bonds of Brotherly love and friendship. I got to know Brethren that I already knew- better, and I got to meet tons of Brethren that I didn't know previously- one of the many joys of Masonic travel. I recently had a conversations with a Brother from Abravanel Lodge No. 1116, and he informed me that the MRF has posted the dates for the 2012 MRF symposium. As per their posted update: 

MRF Updates

THE THIRD MRF SYMPOSIUM WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 24, 25 & 26, 2012 IN SAN FRANCISCO / OAKLAND , CA. -- Details to Follow Soon!

So needless to say, I'm excited! Several of the Brethren that I know have already purchased plane tickets for this event, so it looks like I am inclined to follow suit. As the MRF posts its details, I will do the same hear to ensure that all interested parties are informed. If you didn't make it last year, I strongly encourage you to attend this year! For the cost, and the opportunity of taking fellowship with so many like-minded Brethren, it's a hard to beat Masonic weekend!
...And for those of you that are unawares of what a Traditional Observance Lodge is defined as, here is a link to the MRF's definition of such: Please click here.